GB News halted today for a breaking alert on small boat crossings, as prime minister Andy Burnham broke his silence. The Labour leader was live on the programme to talk about illegal immigration when he was asked to make a commitment that small boat migrant numbers will be handled.
With a breaking news alert banner across the screen reading “Will Burnham stop the small boats?”, he said: “The [Home] Secretary [Shabana Mahmood] has brought forward a very rigorous plan in relation to this, and let’s remember – of course the numbers can fluctuate – but overall boat crossings are down, down quite significantly year-on-year, so that does suggest that the plan is working.”
He stuttered through the rest of the explanation, however, adding: “Of course there has to be rigorous checks so that people are not, er, er, put through into a situation where, erm, they are out without the relevant safeguards, and absolutely I can give you a commitment that that is the clear instruction that I am giving – that all relevant and necessary checks must be done.
“It’s about getting a grip on the entire situation. I raised this repeatedly through the Makerfield by-election.
“The public want to see control being exerted, and while we’ve made progress there is more to do, and I recognise that completely.
“But the trend is down and the number of people being removed is up, so the figures are pointing in a better direction but there is much more to do.”
Viewers weren’t impressed, however, and took to social media to complain. One tweeted: “Rebranding the same policy doesn’t make it a new policy. People want results, not a new spokesperson.”
Another said: “Down because of the weather! Stop b********ing Andy!”
While a third fumed: “Burnham is a liar. He and Labour have no desire whatsoever to stop the boats!”
